The 28th anniversary of Ukraine’s independence is celebrated on 24 August, 2019. On this day, in 1991, Ukraine’s parliament adopted the Declaration of State Sovereignty of Ukraine, which marked a new stage in the development of modern democratic Ukraine. Throughout its 1000-year history, Ukraine has demonstrated to the World that Ukrainians are people capable of protecting democratic values and independence.

The declaration of Ukraine’s independence in 1991 was a key element of the 1000-year’s tradition of state-building process, which started in the ninth century, at the height of the Kyivan Rus period (9 to13 centuries). Each period provided priceless contribution to the development of political, legal and moral foundations of our state.

Among the features inherited by Ukraine from that period are the word ‘Oukraina’ which was first mentioned in the Hyratian Codex in 1187 and the state coat of arms of Ukraine – ‘Tryzyb’ (Trident). From the Cossack Age (15 to18 centuries)  the country inherited military traditions and the Constitution of Pylyp Orlyk (1710) – one of the first constitutions in Europe. Moreover, the democratic foundations stipulated in the Constitution of Pylyp Orlyk were solidified within Ukrainian statehood of the early 20 th century.

During the 1000-year history of Ukraine, one of the main features of Ukrainian identity has been the desire for freedom. That is what encouraged Ukrainians to struggle for independence and prosperous future, though the cost of freedom was very high — millions of martyrs have fallen victims to implacable wars and repressions.

In the 20th century Ukraine lost its sovereignty several times, but Ukrainians never surrendered the fight to reclaim their independence. On 24 August, 1991 Ukraine reemerged as an independent state — a rebirth of the Ukrainian state that existed long before 1991. The Declaration of State Sovereignty of Ukraine adopted in 1991 was in fact the second episode of proclamation of independence in the last century while the first one happened on 22 January, 1918.

It was in 1918 that Ukrainian authorities approved the blue-and-yellow version of the National flag whose origins dates back to the year 1848, when it was a symbol of Ukrainians residing in Halychyna — historic land in Western Ukraine. One of the most popular interpretations of the colors of the Ukrainian flag is that the blue color represents the peaceful sky, while the yellow represents a fruitful wheat field. Today, 23 August is celebrated as the Day of the National Flag.

It is our honor to emphasize that Ukraine has always shown a spirit of unity in its difficult and challenging path towards independence and sovereignty, withstanding and overcoming severe ordeals. It is with the support of reliable partners and friends of Ukraine that we feel stronger facing difficult obstacles. Therefore, we devote our best efforts to enhance the bilateral relations between Ukraine and Kuwait and support the organization of mutual visits of officials of both countries. We would also like to take this opportunity to express our deep gratitude and appreciation to the Government and people of friendly Kuwait for the continuous support of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Wishing Kuwait and its people continuous progress and prosperity.

 

 

 

Dr. Oleksandr Balanutsa
Ukrainian Ambassador to Kuwait


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